UPDATED: Dale Stephens SIGNS 3.5 Year Deal

[Machiavelli]

If Kayal is ok, I'd just rest Stephens. Changing both is too much until Crofts and Sidwell have had more time.

For choice, I'd rest Kayal and Zamora for the Bolton game, so they're raring to go for Hull.

 

[portslade seagull]

For choice, I'd rest Kayal and Zamora for the Bolton game, so they're raring to go for Hull.

Kayal's injury could keep him out anyway but with Crofts who I thought done very well last night and Sidwell waiting on the bench we have very good back up

 

[Diego Napier]

Both have been off the mark for the last few games with Kayal losing possession more and having to battle to get it back and neither as influential as they were early season. Not sure of the reason possibly tired, injury or got sussed out but I hope they get back to their high standard of early season fairly soon.

Both off the mark yet we won by 3 goals, hopefully if either of them have a half-way decent game we should win it by double digits.

 

[Arrid]

No matter what the team do or how convincingly the team win, 3-0 in this case, (which Stephens was a big part of) some people are unable to enjoy it and have to find something to moan about or a way to stick the boot in somehow

Utter crap. It's absolutely nothing to do with the result. It's a discussion forum where people post opinion. Doesn't matter if it was 10 - 0 you still need to search for ways of improving.

 

[BensGrandad]

Utter crap. It's absolutely nothing to do with the result. It's a discussion forum where people post opinion. Doesn't matter if it was 10 - 0 you still need to search for ways of improving.

You must always aim for perfection and the more you aim the nearer you will get. I am sure CH will not say we won 3-0 so no need to train this week just keep fit.

 

[Cowfold Seagull]

For choice, I'd rest Kayal and Zamora for the Bolton game, so they're raring to go for Hull.

Yes that sounds eminently sensible, Kayal deserves a bit of a rest and may be injured anyway. Zamora wouln't be able to manage two games in a week in any case.

Either Sidwell or Crofts will be champing at the bit to start l'm sure, and we will need as many players fit as possible for the trip to Hull.

 

[Machiavelli]

Yes that sounds eminently sensible, Kayal deserves a bit of a rest and may be injured anyway. Zamora wouln't be able to manage two games in a week in any case.

Either Sidwell or Crofts will be champing at the bit to start l'm sure, and we will need as many players fit as possible for the trip to Hull.

Was expecting to get flamed for complacency against Bolton for that comment (not by you, specifically). All these decisions are delicate balancing acts, but we're now in the position where the squad looks stronger, and we can take decisions to rest players, nurse them back from niggling injuries, tailor teams against opponents, etc. That said, I'll be a hell of a lot happier if Bong and Rosenoir return soon, and we get a proven goalscoring striker in on a 93-day loan to make CH have to make even more of those decisions.

 

[tigertim68]

Yes that sounds eminently sensible, Kayal deserves a bit of a rest and may be injured anyway. Zamora wouln't be able to manage two games in a week in any case.

Either Sidwell or Crofts will be champing at the bit to start l'm sure, and we will need as many players fit as possible for the trip to Hull.

Why does Kayal deserve a break , he has just had 2 weeks off without playing , if he is injured that's a different thing

 

[Diego Napier]

Utter crap. It's absolutely nothing to do with the result. It's a discussion forum where people post opinion. Doesn't matter if it was 10 - 0 you still need to search for ways of improving.

You most certainly do although I would hazard a guess that if CH was seeking informed & meaningful analyses, tactical & shrewd insights and inspirational & transformative guidance then this forum may not be his first port of call.

 

[Weststander]

The great survivor, Dale Stephens stays, whilst AK, Hemed and Kayal have moved on

In his specialist DM sitter role, I rate the player highly.

It’s interesting to see that Potter feels DS deserves a future with us.

 

[BensGrandad]

I am sure that he will not be the one to make way for Mooy which will upset many on here, but not me.

 

[Weststander]

I am sure that he will not be the one to make way for Mooy which will upset many on here, but not me.

Same here. He’s the only CM prepared and able to spend 90 minutes protecting his centrebacks.

 

[LamieRobertson]

Same here. He’s the only CM prepared and able to spend 90 minutes protecting his centrebacks.

I’m a DS fan....but a bit of competition never did anyone any harm

 

[Hugo Rune]

Same here. He’s the only CM prepared and able to spend 90 minutes protecting his centrebacks.

He has a brood of three to protect now instead of two. So many more passing options! He’ll be delighted.

 

[Weststander]

He has a brood of three to protect now instead of two. So many more passing options! He’ll be delighted.

Very much so. He won’t look up, to see statuesque forwards.

 

[LamieRobertson]

Same here. He’s the only CM prepared and able to spend 90 minutes protecting his centrebacks.

More to his game as well....good range of passing against Valencia last Friday....he has a fair bit in his locker that’s not always seen...I’m hoping the cheap jibes will disappear this coming season

 

[Weststander]

More to his game as well....good range of passing against Valencia last Friday....he has a fair bit in his locker that’s not always seen...I’m hoping the cheap jibes will disappear this coming season

Stephens and Muzza will always be targeted by empty vessels. Such a tiny minority, they can be ignored.

 

[Frankworthington]

I am sure that he will not be the one to make way for Mooy which will upset many on here, but not me.

The most over-rated player to have worn an Albion shirt,

Living on borrowed time.He should have gone and Kayal stayed

 

[Weststander]

The most over-rated player to have worn an Albion shirt,

Living on borrowed time.He should have gone and Kayal stayed

DS was a vital player in the promotion, and a vital part of the defence that kept us in the PL twice.

Sadly for his haters, knowledgeable expert Potter’s joined his long list of admirers and kept him. That’s a win for Albion fans.

 

[jonny.rainbow]

The most over-rated player to have worn an Albion shirt,

Living on borrowed time.He should have gone and Kayal stayed

If it wasn’t for the clueless squads and professionals who have consistently voted for Dale as players’ player of the season and a succession of experienced managers keeping faith in him when all he can do is pass it sideways or backwards we’d have got rid years ago.